Lower Chitral had a sex ratio of 937 females per 1000 males and a literacy rate of 63.00% - 75.71% for males and 49.37% for females. 49,780 (17.89%) lived in urban areas. 27.10% of the population was under 10 years of age. 3,902 (1.40%) were from religious minorities, almost all of whom are followers of the indigenous animistic Kalash faith that was once the dominant faith in the district before the spread of Islam.

89.48% of the population spoke languages recorded as 'Other' on the census. Most of these spoke Khowar (or Chitrali), the dominant language of Chitral as a whole. A minority spoke Chitral Kalasha and Wakhi, with the Kalasha dominating several valleys and the Wakhis spread throughout the north of the district near the Afghan border. Pashto is spoken in the southeast of the district by 9.11% of the population. There are some speakers of the Madaklasht dialect, a Persian dialect which is considered a mix of Dari and Tajik.

Lower Chitral covers the area from lowari to Barenis and Gobor in the Garam Chashma side.

The unique culture of Chitral, developed over many millennia with more than a dozen ethnic groups speaking as many languages, is closely linked to that of Central Asia and China instead of South Asia, according to a study conducted by International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

It says that arts and crafts, traditional costumes, food and beverages, local games, music, dance, folksongs and legendary sites form the main components of the cultural heritage of Chitral. The study also includes the historic military sites and indigenous tribes (Kalash) in the ingredients of cultural heritage.

“Chitral's artisans manufacture a wide range of elegant and delicately crafted jewellery, woodwork and embroidery, woven and knitted textiles,” the study says, adding that clay, wood, stone, bone, animal skin and copper are the material most commonly used.

The woolen fabric of Chitral, locally called shu, and walnut-wood furniture are popular in handicraft markets throughout the country.

The study adds that traditional clothes, including that of Kalash people, are made from wool and silk and decorated with beads and shells.

Traditional cap, (khapol) and gown (chugha) are popular while the typical Chitrali shoes (khon) resemble the long riding boots.

The area's vast culinary repertoire of foods and beverages is unique in terms of both flavour and presentation.

The study places music and dance at the heart of Chitrali culture. Chitral's rich and varied musical tradition is part of the fabric of everyday life while Chitrali sitar is famous throughout the world and the traditional dances, such as dani and sauz are part of the folk heritage of Central Asia.

The folk poets of Chitral sing war songs as well as love ballades, the study says, adding that epics are popular among the Kalash.

“With its origin lost in the mists of antiquity, the ancient tribe of Kalash is a unique cultural resource,” says the study, adding that Chilm Jusht, Uchhal, Chitirmas are some of the main festivals of the tribe that attract a large number of tourists to the three segregated valleys of Bumburate, Birir and Rumbur in Chitral

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